Host Like a Pro: Amber Mayfield Hewett’s Tips

Ready to ditch the guest list and become the host with the most? With summer officially here, it’s the perfect time to gather friends and family. But what if you’re on a tight budget or feeling a little intimidated by the idea of hosting? Don’t worry, because expert event planner and author Amber Mayfield Hewett is here to share her secrets for creating beautiful, intimate, and intentional gatherings – without breaking the bank!

Meet the Hostess with the Mostest

Amber Mayfield Hewett isn’t just any event planner; she’s an award-winning producer who has worked with major networks like Bravo and NBC. As the founder of To Be Hosted, she’s behind unforgettable events for big names like Pinterest, Peloton, Pepsi, and Spotify, and even helped shape CultureCon into the phenomenon it is today. Now, she’s sharing her decade of experience in her new book, ‘Your Turn to Host: A Guide to Great Parties and Gatherings.’

Hewett’s unique perspective comes from producing everything from intimate dinner parties to large-scale festivals and TV premieres. She’s excited to offer insights beyond just recipes and decor, aiming to empower anyone to host with confidence and care. Plus, her book is a celebration of Black culture, bringing a much-needed perspective to the hosting space.

Budget-Friendly Entertaining Secrets

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the economy. Entertaining doesn’t have to cost a fortune! Hewett offers brilliant cost-saving tips for hosting memorable events:

• **Team Up:** Consider a co-hosting situation with a friend or two. You can combine resources, divide tasks, and conquer costs together.
• **Rethink the Format:** Not every gathering needs a full sit-down dinner or an open bar. Think about game nights, afternoon tea, movie marathons, or craft parties – these require less investment in food and decor.
• **Embrace Intimacy:** Hosting smaller groups often leads to more meaningful connections and significantly lower costs.

Lessons from Grandma Ruth

Hewett’s love for baking and hosting is deeply rooted in her family traditions, especially her grandmother, Grandma Ruth. “My Grandma Ruth gave me the blueprint for making simple things feel special,” she shares. From plentiful food and humble decor to roaring laughter, her grandmother’s gatherings set the spirit for how Hewett hosts today.

While Hewett and her husband often host casual summer gatherings near a grill or pool, this year’s schedule is packed with her book tour. She’s planning exciting events like a cake decorating party in New York, a wine event in D.C., and a party visualization session in Los Angeles. You can find ticket information on her Instagram!

Infusing Culture into Your Events

In today’s social media-driven world, it’s easy to get caught up in trends. However, Hewett stresses the importance of weaving in personal rituals, cultural nuances, and family traditions. “What I hope people take away from my book more than anything else is that a great host finds a balance between what is old, borrowed, and new in a way that feels deeply personal and meaningful to them.”

So, whether you’re planning a small get-together or a larger bash, remember that the most memorable parties are those filled with heart, personality, and a touch of your unique story.